White Sands Beach: Best-Kept Secret In Ocean County

There's no boardwalk. No concession stands. No rides. No games.

But if you're looking for a quiet, clean oceanfront beach, White Sands Beach in the South Seaside Park section of the township is a good bet.

"It's a nice place to take a family for the day,"  Laura Shaw, a principal clerk typist in the Berkeley Township Parks and Recreation Department, has said. "It's the best-kept secret."

The beach officially opens on June 15, when township lifeguards are on duty, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

Pre-season beach badges will go on sale from May 28 to June 14 at the Berkeley Township Recreation Center at 630 Route 9 South in Bayville. The pre-season rate is $30, the same as last year. Starting June 15, post-season badges can be purchased at the 23rd Avenue lifeguard stand for $35.

Badges for children under 12 and residents 62 and older are free. Lifeguards will remain on duty through Labor Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Amato said.

This out-of-the way beach is actually in Berkeley Township, right near the entrance to Island Beach State Park. It runs for four blocks, from 20th Avenue to 23rd Avenue.

Restrooms and an outside shower are available. No food is permitted on the beach.